MSc IB –MASTER OF SCIENCEINTERNATIONALBUSINESS

http://mscib.fh-mainz.deChristiane Secker, MSc IB

Table of contents

Page 3 EditorialPage 4 Coursegoals Awardoftitleofcourse Admissionrequirements Lengthofcourse Coursefees ApplicationdeadlinePage 6 Coursedescription PartIattheUniversityofAppliedSciencesMainzPage 9 PartIIatLondonSouthBankUniversity PartIIITheMasterDissertation Units,creditsandassessment(fulltimemode)Page 10 TeachingMethods LivingandStudyinginMainz,Germany Fees Livingcosts AshortintroductiontothecityofMainzPage 11 OrganisationalPreparation Importantinitialconsiderations Health,accidentandliabilityinsurance Immigrationregulations AccommodationinMainzPage 13 Registration/studenttravelticket Otherinformationandtips Selectionprocedure SecondsemesterinLondonPage 14 Applicationinstructions

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By joining our postgraduate study programme “Master of Science Inter­national Business” you will be entering an academic community which has a new and energetic approach. A truly international community of students, Fachhochschule Mainz provides a stimulating atmosphere suitable for today’s academic or business minded men and women.

The MSc IB programme that we offer in Mainz in cooperation with Lon­don South Bank University situated in the heart of London, is vocatio­nally relevant, offering added value to careers or career development.

The internationally recognised qualification will provide you with the opportunity to develop and enhance your understanding of the complex, changing and multi­faceted nature of international business and the environment within it operates. In the course of the programme you will develop your knowledge, analytical skills and critical awareness, and study alongside students from a wide variety of countries around the world.

The course builds on the extensive teaching and research experience of staff within our Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. Thanks to the cooperation with our partner university LSBU, you will not only get to know the German market, but also the United Kingdom, as the programme is taught in London in the second semester and also the Master dissertation can be written there under LSBU supervision. The MSc IB course is delivered through a programme of lectures, semi­nars and case study sessions, and our students are encouraged to play an active part in the learning process. Our professors’ management experience in multinational companies and cross­cultural consultan­cies combined with the practical approach of the programme ensure that our graduates obtain positions in major international companies, government departments, diplomatic service, export/import companies in Germany, the UK and overseas.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to our exciting and challen­ging programme.

Professor Dr Ruediger NagelCourse directorMSc IB Germany

EditorialProf. Dr. Ruediger Nagel

Course director

Course goals

The aim of this postgraduate course is to allow parti­cipants to critically and analytically study the com­plex, changing, multifaceted character of international business in the modern world, as well as investigate problems, issues and the context in which internatio­nal business operates. This is achieved by examining both academic theories and real life case studies, as well as undertaking individual research. The course aims to impart a high level of knowledge, analytical abilities and critical understanding of ‘International Business’, as well as providing students with the necessary skills and tools in order to make decisions within an international environment.

Award of title of course

After having successfully completed required course work as well as the Masters’ dissertation students will be awarded a Master of Science in International Business (from London South Bank University).

Students, who completed the 8 units in Mainz and Lon­ don, but are not able to write a Masters’ Disser ta tion will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Interna­tional Business (from London South Bank University).

Admission requirements

Potential course participants must have a business­oriented, higher education qualification (bachelor‘s or similar undergraduate degree) and a good level of fluency in English. This must be proved by a langua­ge qualification such as the Proficiency or Advanced certificate, grade C or above, IELTS – 6.5 or TOEFL min score 92 iTB and/or a written test to be taken at the interview.

All applicants are normally interviewed (in person or by phone) before being offered a slot in our pro­gramme.

Length of course

Full time: The full time course lasts 15 months and begins only in the winter semester. The first semes­ter takes place at the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz and the second at the London South Bank University. The third part is used to write the Masters’ Dissertation, which may be completed under Mainz or London supervision.

Course fees

Following course fees will be charged for the academic year:Fachhochschule MainzTutition fees are charged in Mainz and in London (the fees have to be paid after admission / in June):€ 100 application fee€ 2,500 study fees plus approx. € 250 social feesLondon South Bank University plus dissertation fee (the fees have to be paid end of January): £ 5,040 study fee (£ 7,000 for students from non­EU coun­tries). The LSBU tuition fee is subject to change. International students need to pay a deposit of £ 2,500 in October.

Application deadline

International students: end of JuneEU­students: end of July

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London, LSBU

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Course description

The world­wide globalisation process means that know­ledge and understanding of international relationships is increasingly important. Any future manager must be equipped with the skills and abilities to cope in a conti­

policies and decision making of international firms in the context of the changing international business environment.

Learning outcomes• Critically evaluate strategic decision­making in

multinational corporations (MNCs);• Critically assess current issues and developments in

international business• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of strategic issues

in a number of important international firms and industries

• Appreciate the benefits and costs of the impacts of international firms on host and home countries

• Demonstrate an ability to apply the methods of eco­nomic and strategic analysis to the study of the international firm

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of internatio­nal management and HRM concepts and theories

• Appreciate comparative management and HRM practices

EmployabilityThis unit is considered to be an essential foundation for an understanding of international business practi­ces, problems and strategies with specific reference to strategy, human resource and management issues. It therefore adds to the employability of students who wish to pursue a career in international business and in international organisations.

Analytical Techniques for International BusinessStudents in Business Studies require a good grasp of quantitative (mainly statistical and mathematical modeling) skills and techniques so as to analyse and summarise business and financial data, and also to understand reports and published material where sta­tistical/quantitative methods have been used. This unit provides these skills. Emphasis is placed on statistical methods and use of IT software is employed.

Learning outcomes• Analyse business and financial data using various

statistical/quantitative techniques

International Business EconomicsThis unit will examine the role played by multinational firms and other forms of international business in the global economy. The process of increasing economic globalization, with specific reference to the growth and changing nature of world trade, the nature and role played by multinational firms and global financial sys­tems are further contents.

Learning outcomes• The characteristics of multinational companies and

different forms of international business expansion• Alternative theoretical explanations that account

for the growth of the multinational company• The causes of the growth of the global trading sys­

tem over the past half century with particular refe­rence to new forms of trade such as intra­industry trade, intra­firm trade and global outsourcing

• The effects of different forms of government inter­vention in international trade and the role played by global and regional economic institutions in the regulation of trade

• The major effects of inward and outward FDI on both home and host countries and government policies for their regulation

• The major forms which determine exchange rates, the effects of their fluctuations on business and the methods that business can employ to cope with this uncertainty

EmployabilityThis unit will equip a student for a career working for an international company in a managerial role or for a government body in administrative or advisory capacity or for a career in research working for an international economic institution or non­government organization. Students will also find that the unit provides an under­pinning for a research degree in international econo­mics, management or business.

International ManagementThis unit brings together knowledge, understanding, different interpretations and critical analysis of the contexts and issues relating to management in interna­tional firms. The unit seeks to analyse the strategies,

Part I at the University of Applied Sciences Mainz

nuously changing economic environment, as well as the knowledge to make intelligent decisions. The fol­lowing units will be taught:

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• Understand reports and published material where statistical/quantitative methods have been used to reach conclusions regarding business and financial problems

• Apply the appropriate quantitative models to the underlying business and/or financial problem being investigated

EmployabilityBusiness Data Analyst

Furthermore, students must participate in an Academic English language course during Part I.

Semester 1 of the programme will be offered simul­taneously (same time, structure, contents and

assessments) at London South Bank University, at Fachhoch schule Mainz, Germany, at Assumption University, Bangkok, at Loyola College and at Loyola College, Chennai/India.

For further information have a look at:• London South Bank University · www.lsbu.ac.uk• Loyola College, Chennai India www.loyolacollege.edu• Assumption University, Bangkok Thailand www.au.edu

In semester two all students meet in London and study together – an experience, which should prepa­re them for the challenges of globalisation of world economy.

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The specific Master’s challenge, in part, is in writing of the Dissertation. The aim of the Dissertation is to present an advanced piece of independent research on an international business topic. The research topic should be covered in an interdisciplinary and integrated way in terms of hypothesis, methodology, documentation and presentation of results.

Part III: The Master Dissertation

All students will have a choice from 2 pathways in semester 2:• General pathway• Finance pathway

General PathwayCore Units• Global Information Systems for Strategic

Advantage Credits: 10 ECTS• Research Methods for International Business Credits: 10 ECTS

Options• Option 1 Credits: 5 ECTS• Option 2 Credits: 5 ECTS

List of General Options (choose 2)a) European Businessb) Sustainable Development and Global Citizenshipc) Global Operations and Logisticsd) International Marketinge) Business Environment in Asia­Pacificf) Digital and Social Mediag) Marketing Communicationh) Managing Across Cultures

Part II at London South Bank University

i) Managing International Resourcesj) Services Sector Policies

DissertationNeeds to have a general Business focusCredits: 30 ECTS

Finance PathwayCore Units• International Finance and Decision Making Credits: 10 ECTS• Research Methods for International Business Credits: 10 ECTS

Option• Finance Option Units Credits: 10 ECTS

List of Finance Options (choose one)• Bank Governance and Regulation• International Banking and Bank Performance• Asset Fund Management• Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis

DissertationNeeds to be Finance orientatedCredits: 30 ECTS

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Teaching methods

Teaching methods in each unit are a mixture of lectures and seminars. Language of instruction is English, even in Germany. Whenever possible, taught units will be supplemented by guest speakers from the business world. A strong emphasis is pla­ced on individual work and self­study projects.

refundable without cancellation costs until four weeks before the course starts. Thereafter there is a 50 % cancellation fee. After the course begins, refunds are no longer possible.

Living costs

• Student residence hall: about € 300 per month (in case you would like to stay in a hall of residen­ce you will get a minimum 6 months contract (September to February)

• About € 65 for insurance per month (for NON­EU­students under 30 years)

• About € 150 for books and photocopies• About € 150 for excursions• About € 3 to 4 per day for lunch in the student

restaurant

Living and studying in Mainz, Germany

Fees

Please note that you are responsible for covering your financial expenses for living and studying expenses; financial support by the university is not possible. Concerning grants please contact the German Academic Exchange Service (www.daad.de) or British Council (www.britishcouncil.de).

The International Office of Fachhochschule Mainz will support you in getting a visa and in finding accommodation in Mainz. The following list will give you an overview of the expenses duringthe first semester in Mainz:Study fees: € 2,500plus social services charge of approximately € 250 which covers the costs of social welfare services as well as a free train ticket per semester for public transport throughout the whole Rhine­Main region.

Important note: Course fees must be paid in full on acceptance of a place on the course. These are only

Group work is also very impor tant. Larger and smal­ler groups will work together on projects, which may be taken from outside companies. Results will usually be presented and reported back to the group.You can download the course guide and the unit gui­des for the Mainz part from http://mscib.fh­mainz.de

Mainz, the capital town of Rheinland­Pfalz with 180,000 inhabitants has an impressive historical past and is over 2,000 years old. As the centre of the Rhein­Main region, Mainz is well­known for its friendliness and cosmopolitan outlook, which is best demonstrated during the carnival season. Mainz is also an important economic base for industry as well as being a significant media centre (ZDF, SAT 1 and Südwestfunk radio and television channels are all based in Mainz).

The twin cities of Mainz are Baku (Azerbaijan), Dijon (France), Watford (England), Zagreb (Croatia), Valencia (Spain), Haifa (Israel), Erfurt (Thüringen) and Louisville (Kentucky, USA).

Further information on the city of Mainz can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre Mainz, Rathaus Brückenturm, 55116 Mainz or on the internet under www.mainz.de.

A short introduction to the city of Mainz

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Organisational preparation

Important initial considerations

If you are planning to come and study within our MSc International Business programme, you should start your preparations at least one year in advance, be ­cause a successful stay is often only possible if it has been properly planned. Generally speaking, you must try to ensure that your stay in the Federal Repub lic is on a financially secure footing before you start your studies. You should have already applied for grants etc. in your home country. Especially non­EU­students have a lot of things to organise, financi­al coverage and visa preparation take a lot of time.Please consider also that the language of instruction is English but living in Germany without speaking German is possible yet really difficult. Therefore we advise you to try and obtain a basic knowledge of German for everyday use before you arrive.

Health, accident and liability insurance

For all European Union students there is an existing health insurance scheme in your own country which will cover you. In order to have health insurance in Germany you need to apply for foreign health pro­tection from your own insurance company before you leave home.

All other students must either show proof of private health insurance coverage from their home country, or they must cover themselves for health insurance in Germany. In this case, health insurance is taken out in Mainz and costs approx. € 65 per month for students under 30 years. There are separate ratesfor foreign students over 30 years.Please note: in order to enrol at the FH Mainz you must show proof of health insurance coverage.

Immigration regulations

Foreign Students from EU countriesare allowed to enter the Federal Republic of Germany without any particular formalities.

Foreign students from non-EU countriesRegulations for foreign students studying in the Federal Republic of Germany are subject to the laws for for­eigners. Please apply to the German embassy in your

home country about current regulations concerning entry and residence for the Federal Republic of Ger­many. To enter the country you will certainly require a valid passport with visa or a residence permit for students. A tourist or visitors visa is not sufficient.

However after arriving in Germany, all students who plan to stay in Germany for more than three months, must apply for a residents permit at the ‘Ausländer­be hör de’ (public administration office responsible for foreigners) in Mainz.

The following items are required:• a passport or an identity card valid for at least 15

months• proof of student registration or permission to

enrol plus health insurance• proof that you can finance yourself for at least € 650

per month, or proof of a sufficient student grant• € 40 for the initial registration and for the exten­

sion. (Registration is free for EU­students or stu­dents from EFTA states, as well as for students who are being financed by public bodies).

• 2 passport photographs

Note:There are special registration times for foreign stu­dents of the FH Mainz at the ‘Ausländerbehörde’ in Mainz. Information about these times are available from the International Office.

Accommodation in Mainz

If you would like to apply for accommodation in a student dormitory, you have to apply directly to the Student Services (‘Studierendenwerk’) in Mainz.In principle, you may apply to stay at any one of the residential accommodation units. However, as there­are not always enough rooms available in sufficient quantity, we advise you to prioritise your requests The Student Services will do their best to meet your requirements, but we hope you realise that it is not always possible for everyone to be allocated their first choice.

You have to provide your own bed clothes, pillows and kitchenware in the student rooms. Applications will be dealt with as they arrive, so the earlier you. send your application form in, the better chance you have of getting the room you want.

Graduation ceremony LSBU, London

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For further information please contact the Student Services:Telephone: + 49 (0) 61 31.3 92 49 82Fax: + 49 (0) 61 31.3 92 47 34E­mail: gerold@studierendenwerk­mainz.dewww.studierendenwerk­mainz.deHomepage: www.studierendenwerk­mainz.de(please follow “Wohnanlagen”)

If you receive a confirmed admission you will be provided with all necessary information concerning accommodation as well as the application form.

Registration / student travel ticket

Only after you have been registered as a student (after registration) you will have the legal status of a student of the FH Mainz. Proof of student status and student cards are only issued after registration. In order to register, there is a social services charge made of approx. € 250 which covers the costs of social welfare services as well as a free travel ticket per semester for public transport throughout the whole Rhine­Main region. Registration takes place before courses start (please note registration dates) and takes place at the Office for Student Affairs (Studierendensekretariat).

Other information and tips

All students at the FH Mainz are also allowed to use the Leisure and Sports Facilities of the Johannes­Gutenberg­University in Mainz. Their activities cover everything from A for Aikido to Y for Yoga, from general keep fit to competitive sporting activi­ties. In addition, there are many sports and leisure clubs in Mainz which anyone can join. It should not be too difficult to find a suitable place to spend your free time with like­minded friends, unless you find it too difficult to decide amongst all the choices!

The FH Mainz has a student refectory (the Mensa) which is open during term­time from 9.00 ­ 16.00. Each meal costs between € 2,­ and € 3,­.

Selection procedure

The selection procedure will take place in May/June/July. All applicants who live in Germany will be invited to come to Mainz for a written test (about one hour) and an interview (about 15 minutes),

both in English. All applicants living abroad will be interviewed by phone (about 20 minutes) by one of the staff members.

In the test you will have to write a summary of a newspaper article about a business/economics topic and answer a few questions. During the interview you will be asked questions regarding your CV, aca­demic background, motivation, etc.

In case you are accepted you will receive a letter of admission. You will be asked to arrive in Mainz at the beginning of September, lectures in Mainz will start on 3rd week of September.

Second semester in London

Study fees: about £ 5,040 for EU­students, about £ 7,000 for NON­EU­students (dissertation fees incl.)

Please note that tuition fees at LSBU are subject to change.

Living costs:• Student residence hall: approx. £ 150 per week• About £ 10 for public transport per week• About £ 150 for books and photocopies• About £ 3 to £ 5 for lunch in a student restaurantDetailed information about living and studying in London you will find on the web page of London South Bank University: www.lsbu.ac.uk

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Application instructions

Please make sure that the application form is filled out completely and the following items are also submitted.

Curriculum Vitae: The CV must be typed and is not to exceed two pages.

Photographs: One recent photograph is required.

Proof of last School Leaving Examination (University Entrance Qualification): Please submit a notarised photocopy of your last school graduation certificate.

Proof of First Degree: An admission requirement is a first degree from a university. Please submit a notar ised photocopy of your diploma or degree certificate.

List of Courses Taken and Grades Received: A chronological and official list of previous coursework (usually official transcript of records) is required.

Statement of motivation: An important part of the application is the statement of motivation on a stu­dent’s personal background (personal essays). The statement should provide a clear picture of one’s per­sonality and career goals and thereby offer a first impression of one’s motivation, interests and abilities. An applicant’s choice of words, style of argument and the clarity of one’s self­portrayal will also be con­sidered. These short essays also give students the

opportunity to explain certain details of their curri­culum vitae and academic preparation.

Application fee: Please consider that we require a non­refundable application fee of € 100.Please transfer this money to the following account and send the proof of payment together with your application.

Account name: Landeshochschulkasse MainzAccount number: 55001511Sort code: 550 000 00Bank: Deutsche Bundesbank Filiale MainzCustomer ref.: 1565 11131 ­ 380 30 81 + your nameIBAN: DE25 5500 0000 0055 0015 11BIC: MARKDEF 1550

Important

Please return application form by the end of June (Europeans: by end of July at the latest).

Fachhochschule MainzMSc IBProf. Dr. Rüdiger NagelLucy­Hillebrand­Straße 2D­55128 MainzGermany

MSc IB cohort 2012/2013

Contact

Course Management msc.ib@fh-mainz.de

Phone:+496131.6283425

Fax:+496131.62893425

mscib.fh-mainz.de

Course Director Prof.Dr.RüdigerNagel

ruediger.nagel@fh-mainz.de

Address FachhochschuleMainz

SchoolofBusiness

FachbereichWirtschaft

UniversityofAppliedSciences

MasterofScienceInternationalBusiness(MScIB)

Lucy-Hillebrand-Straße2

D-55128Mainz

Germany

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